Brightline
According to a TCPalm.com report, City of Stuart, Fla., Commissioners voted Sept. 9 to rescind a lease agreement with Brightline and an interlocal agreement with Martin County that would have allowed the railroad to bring its newest passenger station to the city, which is about 40 miles north of West Palm Beach.
“It’s a bad deal for taxpayers,” said Commissioner Christopher Collins, according to the media outlet. “The original deal was for Brightline to pay its portion of the station, Collins said. When that changed, ‘that’s an issue,’ he said. In a 2018 legal settlement with Martin County, Brightline had agreed to pay 50% of the cost of the station. When Brightline chose Stuart, one stipulation was to eliminate that requirement.” The station price tag was estimated at $60 million.
After the Stuart City Commission’s vote, Brightline Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs Ben Porrit commented: “We’re confident that tonight’s actions don’t reflect the wishes of the majority of business owners and residents who have supported Brightline’s efforts to bring a station to Martin County. We’ll work with all cities and counties in the Treasure Coast to determine next steps for a Brightline station,” according to the TCPalm.com report.
Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando (see map above). It launched the first phase of its South Florida operations in 2018, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. Stations in Boca Raton and Aventura opened in 2022. Construction of its 170-mile, $6 billion phase two extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando began in 2019 and service launched in September 2023.
Brightline in December 2023 requested proposals from towns or other interested parties to build a new station on Florida’s Treasure Coast, in Martin or St. Lucie counties; it was expected to open in second-half 2026. In March 2024, Railway Age Contributing Editor David Peter Alan reported that Brightline selected Stuart as the station site. “The location was chosen after a review of five proposals from private and public landowners along the Brightline/Florida East Coast Railway (FEC) corridor in Martin and St. Lucie counties,” Brightline said in a statement at that time. According to Alan, Brightline did not disclose information about other contestants, but local media reported there were two bids from Fort Pierce.
Fort Pierce may “step up” again to host the station, according to TCPalm.com. “‘Fort Pierce would still love to entertain a stop,’ Acting City Manager Linda Cox told the City Commission last week [week of Sept. 1, 2024] as news hit that Stuart’s deal might be unraveling. ‘Because I think it’s important to help build our economic base.’”
The Stuart City Commission action “now puts pressure on the Martin County Commission,” according to TCPalm.com. “Consideration of the amended legal settlement with Brightline and the amended interlocal agreement with Stuart are on the County Commission agenda for consideration Tuesday morning [Sept. 10].”
TCPalm.com in a separate, later report said, “County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to talk with Stuart to see if the deal — among the county, the city and Brightline — can be saved.”
Caltrain
Caltrain on Sept. 21-22 will hold community festivals at the Palo Alto and San Mateo stations to mark the start of electrified service. “Celebrate by riding Caltrain’s new, modern electric trains for free and joining celebratory festivities across the corridor throughout the weekend,” the regional/commuter railroad reported on its website. In addition to free rides with service every 30 minutes, including an additional roundtrip train between Gilroy and San Jose, it is hosting community performances, community booths, photobooth, food trucks, games, and giveaways.
Caltrain on Aug. 26 issued its new schedule for fully electrified service between San Francisco and San Jose. All 23 Stadler Rail-built KISS bilevel EMUs (electric multiple-units) will be in service Sept. 21, allowing Caltrain to run faster and more frequent service, with 16 stations receiving trains every 15 to 20 minutes during peak hours, compared with seven stations today; weekend trains arriving twice hourly vs. hourly today; and express service from San Francisco to San Jose in under an hour, compared with 65-plus minutes today.
Caltrain’s electrified service is arriving two years later than planned. The regional/commuter railroad’s $2.4 billion Electrification Project is upgrading and electrifying its double-track system from the 4th and King Station in San Francisco to the Tamien Station in San Jose and replacing trains. Caltrain awarded Stadler a $551 million contract to supply 16 six-car EMUs in August 2016 with an option to extend these sets to seven-car trains exercised in December 2018. The 110-mph-capable trainsets were built at the manufacturer’s plant in Salt Lake City, and there are options worth $385 million under the original contract to supply up to 96 additional railcars. The EMUs will replace trains powered by F40 diesel locomotives—approximately 75% of Caltrain’s diesel fleet—which entered service in 1985. Its newer locomotives will be retained to operate the non-electrified Dumbarton extension and services south of Tamien.
The EMUs began rolling out in August to serve Caltrain riders.
MBTA
Sales this summer of the $10-weekend MBTA Commuter Rail pass were up 40% compared with 2023, according to Keolis Commuter Services, which operates and maintains the system (see map below). Keolis reported that more than 230,000 passes were sold between Memorial Day and Labor Day, compared with about 160,000 sold over the same period last year. This coincided with a 16% increase in overall ridership this summer. Cape Flyer ridership was up 6% compared with 2023 as well.
The $10 weekend pass allows for unlimited travel anywhere on the Commuter Rail network on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on federal holidays. The Cape Flyer operates service on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Boston and Hyannis.
“As travel patterns have changed, we’ve seen significant growth in discretionary travel, especially on weekends, thanks to our $10 weekend pass,” MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said during the Sept. 10 announcement. “Making mass transportation affordable gives the public more travel options. Weekend passes, income-eligible fares, student fares, and senior fares all make a difference to those who rely on us. Ensuring that our transportation system improves quality of life and supports economic vitality will always be a priority.”
“We are thrilled to see passengers taking advantage of the popular $10 weekend and holiday pass,” Keolis General Manager and CEO Abdellah Chajai said. “The Commuter Rail is not only about getting people to and from work during the week. Riders are clearly taking advantage of the train on weekends to travel to Boston, Cape Cod, and other destinations.”
“We are excited to report a 6% rise in ridership for this year’s Cape Flyer season,” added Cape Cod RTA Administrator Tom Cahir. “This increase highlights the growing popularity of the service and reflects our commitment to providing reliable, eco-friendly transportation to Cape Cod.”
Virginia DRPT
The Virginia DRPT on Sept. 9 launched a statewide “Connects Communities” campaign that is “designed to educate Virginians on the essential role public transit plays,” and to boost awareness and usage of rail, bus, rideshare and bike services.
Public transit is more than just a ride, according to the Virginia DRPT. That’s why the campaign highlights:
- “Enhanc[ed] Connectivity: The campaign will emphasize how public transit links communities, helping residents move easily and efficiently throughout the state.
- “Economic Benefits: By providing access to jobs, education, and services, public transit systems bolster local economies, benefiting both individuals and businesses.
- “Sustainability: Public transportation is a key player in reducing carbon emissions and minimizing environmental impact, supporting Virginia’s commitment to sustainability.
- “Accessibility: The campaign will promote the accessibility of public transit, ensuring that it serves all Virginians, including those with disabilities, senior citizens, and low-income individuals.”
The campaign also includes a mix of digital, radio, print, and social media outreach, along with video content. A dedicated page on the ConnectingVA website offers in-depth information on local transit options, the benefits of using transit, and various resources, the Virginia DRPT said.
